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Section 21 — Corporate Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

28-60 days

Application Fee

36 USD

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

This visa is issued to a corporate applicant (juristic person) to employ a predetermined number of foreign nationals for a specific period.

The Corporate Visa allows South African entities to hire foreign workers in bulk when local skills are unavailable. The employer must prove a diligent search for local talent and maintain a 60% local workforce ratio. Individual workers receive certificates linked to the corporate permit.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Critical Skills Work Visa (Section 19(4))

South Africa

Critical Skills Work Visa (Section 19(4))

ValidityUp to 5 years

Processing4-8 weeks

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Corporate entity must demonstrate a need for foreign workers

Must prove a diligent search for local candidates was unsuccessful

Must maintain at least 60% local workforce

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Department of Labour Recommendation Certificate

Proof of registration with SARS, UIF, Compensation Fund, and CIPC

Corroborated statement of need

Written undertaking to pay deportation costs

Valid employment contract

SAQA evaluation of qualifications

Police clearance

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Facilitates hiring of multiple foreign nationals
Valid for up to 3 years

Worth Knowing

High administrative burden for the employer
Strict local labor market testing requirements
Failure to meet 60% local workforce requirement
Failure to prove diligent search for local candidates

Application Process

Corporate entity obtains Department of Labour recommendation

Corporate entity applies for corporate permit

Individual workers apply for worker certificates

Submit via VFS Global

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Overview

This visa is issued to a corporate applicant (juristic person) to employ a predetermined number of foreign nationals for a specific period.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Corporate entity must demonstrate a need for foreign workers

Must prove a diligent search for local candidates was unsuccessful

Must maintain at least 60% local workforce

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

1+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Department of Labour Recommendation Certificate

Proof of registration with SARS, UIF, Compensation Fund, and CIPC

Corroborated statement of need

Written undertaking to pay deportation costs

Valid employment contract

SAQA evaluation of qualifications

Police clearance